2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic sits mid-pack among Sonic years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 64, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
59
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2017 compare to other Sonic years?
What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Sonic problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS HIT HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IT COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE THAN IT WAS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND MY ENGINE IS JUNK. HAVING ISSUES WITH IT AND ITS LESS THAN 70000 MILES”
“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT A FEW DAYS AGO INVOLVING A REAR END COLLISION WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP. SHE DIDN'T NOTICE THE CARS IN FRONT HAD STOPPED SUDDENLY AND HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT HER FRONT PROXIMITY SIGNAL…”
“WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH , AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON RECIRCULATE I BLACKED OUT AND TOTALED THE CAR . HOSPITAL RAN A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST AND IT WAS HIGH ,WAS THE CAUSE OF BLACKOUT. NOW HAVE MEMORY PROBLEMS AND SEVERE BACK PAIN”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND WITH THE WINDOW DEFROSTER ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ACTIVATED, IT WOULD REMAIN FOGGED AND WOULD NOT DEFROST. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…”
“LIGHTS COME ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 12 MILES, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER BAD , WHEN YOU LET UP ON GAS FOOT IT TAKES VERY LONG TO GET IT GOING SLOW TO BUILD UP POWER.REGULAR ROADWAY, NO HILLS .LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN PARKED A WHILE THEN COME BACK ON AFTER 12 MILES.”
2017 Chevrolet Sonic — common questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sonic: 59 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2017 Sonic problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
Which Chevrolet Sonic years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonic years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Sonic years belongs to 2011.
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.